Tag: #hallmarkchristmasromance

Hallmark Movie Review: A Cozy Christmas Inn

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-cozy-christmas-inn

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

We had a divided house here tonight! Jeff liked this a lot more than I did. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

Once upon a time (prior to Dr. Brunel), Erika dated Andy in Seattle. Unfortunately, Andy left her and returned home. Erika still works in Seattle. Her boss wants to acquire an Inn in Garland, Alaska and sends Erika there to close the deal.

My Two Cents

In case you don’t know, back in 2014 there was a movie called Christmas Under Wraps. It starred all the same leads, except the female lead was Candace Cameron Bure. It had a similar plot. Dr. Brunel came to Garland, Alaska as the town’s new doctor. She falls in love with Andy and we presume they lived happily ever after.

In this movie we find out they did NOT live happily ever after. 😭 Dr. Brunel left Garland to take a fellowship offer she could not refuse. Leaving Andy girlfriendless.

I loved Christmas Under Wraps. It had magic, cuteness, corny jokes, and of course, the now famous, “that’s Garland for ya” tag line. I think if I had never seen Christmas Under Wraps, I would have enjoyed this movie more.

A Cozy Christmas Inn was cute and funny in it’s own way, but I feel like it lacked some of the magic of the first movie. I couldn’t put my finger on exactly why. Maybe because the elves weren’t as obvious? Rudy was missing? Andy’s plane was missing and a telescope took it’s place? Or maybe it was the overuse of the tag line? I’m not sure.

Honestly, maybe I didn’t enjoy it for a very simple reason…maybe I was mourning Dr. Brunel and Andy’s relationship ending. I think I would have handled it better if she had unexpectedly died, because at the end of the first movie she had changed and she was happy to be the local doctor. Not a big fellowship doctor.

Even if I was mourning Dr. Brunel and Andy, I did enjoy Erika and Andy together. They were a cute couple and the story line was interesting. I liked how they discussed their past relationship and what went wrong. I loved the Inn – it was beautiful! And I loved the ending with Andy and his Dad resolving who will take over the family business.

Even though I wasn’t a huge fan, Jeff definitely preferred this movie. I think it’s because it had less magic – he doesn’t like movies with magic. But it could also be that he likes Jodie Sweetin more and I tend to like Candace more.

Whether you saw the first movie or not, I think this one is still worth seeing. You don’t need to see the first movie to see this and it might be better if you don’t. This is definitely a solid Hallmark countdown to Christmas movie. Give it a try!

Did you watch this movie? Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Kismet Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-kismet-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

If Hallmark wanted to make a perfect movie just for me, this is it. And the best part was that it was completely unexpected! I really wasn’t looking forward to this movie. It looked too corny even for me. Anyhow, here’s a quick recap and my two cents 😉 

Quick Recap

There’s an old family legend that if someone receives a kismet cookie and sleeps with it under their pillow, then they will dream of their true love. As a teenager, Sarah did this. When her dream showed Travis was her true love, she went to him to tell him. Unfortunately, Travis was marrying someone else. Sarah ran away to become a writer. Now she’s returned to her hometown, and discovered Travis is the father of the child who won her writing contest.

My Two Cents

Wow! This movie really grew on me! I started watching it in a slightly crabby mood. And the opening scene with Sarah and Travis as teenagers didn’t help. It was all so fake with them playing their younger selves. It killed me. Normally like corny, but I was not in the mood.

Also, I don’t know either of these leads super well. So I was a little leery of this movie from the beginning. BUT how could I not fall in love with a movie that has a second chance romance plot, magic cookies, a scavenger hunt, and so much more!

By the time Travis helped Sarah with her writers block, I was so invested, it made me cry. I love when men show they love someone without telling them they love them. Travis was obviously head over heals.

This is a movie I’ll put on repeatedly throughout the holidays and enjoy every time. If you like the themes in this movie, then I think you’ll like it too. If you aren’t a magic/fate lover, then skip this movie.

Don’t worry if you skip it, we’re in full blown Countdown to Christmas most and there’s at least 2 movie premieres on Hallmark each weekend and I think GAC has one or two too. Pace yourself folks. There are lots of movies this season!

Did you watch this movie? Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Campfire Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/campfire-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐

I’m starting to feel like the Christmas in July Scrooge. I could not get into this movie! I might try it again tomorrow, but just in case I don’t, I thought I’d throw this review out there and see what y’all thought. Here’s a quick recap and my two cents.

Quick Recap

Taylor’s parents host a Christmas themed reunion at their summer camp. Taylor runs into her camp ex-boyfriend. Their good friend Beckett also attends and runs into his camp rival. Will they both kindle a relationship?

My Two Cents

First things first. I have comment approval turned on because of the bots who think my blog is a great place to find recommendations for vape locations and sex toys. The sex toys I understand (romance book reviews can be a bit graphic), but the vaping is a bit of a mystery other than smoking and sex went together in the olden days.

Anyhow, I also use comment approval because I won’t approve comments that are homophobic or racist in nature. This movie has two bi-racial relationships and a homosexual relationship. If this isn’t your cup of tea, move on. There are plenty of other movies out there 😉

Alrighty, with that said, lets talk about the movie…Jeff and I both tried watching it. Mostly because I stole the remote and refused to give it back. 15-30 minutes into the movie, I asked if he had any idea what was going on and he said no. 60 minutes in and he pulled out his laptop and completely gave up on this movie, claiming it’s “the worst Hallmark movie he’s ever seen.” 😬 Eeek!

That’s a bit strong of a designation for me. I’ve seen worse. But after an hour, I wasn’t sure I’d be able to even write a quick recap. I struggled to remember the details of that first hour. What was I watching?! Why were these adults at a Christmas camp in warm weather without snow?

I figured out/remembered the answers eventually, but I continued to struggle for most of the movie and I’m not sure why. The glitter fight was adorable. I loved the capture the wreath game. And the ending was Hallmark perfect. But overall, it was missing that IT factor.

I’m not sure how everyone else will take this movie. I don’t think it has the broad appeal many of the Hallmark movies achieve. Yes, some people will love this movie, but I wasn’t one of them and I think that number will be smaller than average. Last week I just wanted a RomCom. This week, I want a better RomCom. Hopefully next week will be better!

Did you watch this movie? Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Dickens of a Holiday

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-dickens-of-a-holiday

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Oh man 🙁 I’m really bummed about this movie. I have generally liked past Dickens plot movies. Unfortunately, this didn’t do it for me. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Recently divorced Cassie Pruitt is directing A Christmas Carol in the 100 year anniversary of Dickens Days in Dickens, Ohio. Unfortunately, Scrooge comes down with laryngitis and they need to find someone new. They insist on choosing someone from Dickens. They ask big time actor Jake Dorsey to come home and help.

My Two Cents

I’m having one of those, “is it me or the movie?” evenings. I’ve been watching this movie for 1.5 hours and other than the quick re-cap, I haven’t written down ANYTHING about this movie. Normally by now I have at least half my review completed.

As a side note…there was something that gave me a quick thrill and distracted me for a little bit of the movie. Did you see the beautiful Inn where Cassie and Jake are staying? Did it look familiar? It should! I think it’s been in a few different Hallmark movies, but I remember it from Good Morning Christmas! In the video clip below, you can catch it at about the 14 second mark 🙂 I absolutely love this Inn. It’s so beautiful! I’d like to spend a weekend away there.

Okay, back to the actual movie. So, I really like versions of A Christmas Carol like It’s Christmas, Carole! that actually have a real Scrooge, ghosts, tiny Tim, etc. This take on the movie wasn’t really my cup of tea.

Maybe this would have been better if Jake had been more Scroogey and less jerky? I don’t know, but I liked Jake’s story line and how he kind of forgot himself when he became a big time actor and had to go through this process of improving himself so he could land the part of his dreams. The best improvement he made was him repairing his relationship with his family 🙂

Aside from fixing his family relationship, there wasn’t much else that captured my attention with this one. I mean, this movie was so blah that I’m not even gushing over the horse drawn carriage. Probably because Jake made such a big deal about that book being in the carriage instead of the horse driving it. Come on Jake! You’re in a carriage with the woman you’re starting to love! Don’t get all mushy about a book.

On top of not mentioning the carriage ride, I also didn’t mention the adorable small town appeal of the movie. I love small towns. Towns where everyone knows everyone and people help each other when they’re in need. There should have been more small town feeling in this book. There was some with everyone knowing Cassie had been directing Broadway and a few other little things, but I felt it could have been played up more.

Alrighty, so tell me folks, was it just me? Am I cranky tonight? Should I give this movie another try? As of right now, it’s definitely NOT on my Countdown to Christmas must see list for the season. Leave a comment and try to get me to change my mind! What did you like about this movie?

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Very Merry Bridesmaid

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-very-merry-bridesmaid

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is definitely hitting my Countdown to Christmas must watch list!! It might even hit my all time favorite Hallmark Christmas list! It brings together all the feels and romcom humor I look for in my favorite movies. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. 🙂

Quick Re-Cap

Paul has come home to settle down and marry his fiance Julia. His best man, childhood best friend, and sister’s secret crush Drew has also returned for the wedding. The wedding happens to be on Paul’s sister’s 30th birthday. Drew has made a pact make Leah’s birthday special despite it being the same day as Paul’s wedding.

My Two Cents

There was so much good feels in this movie that I’m not even sure where to begin. It gives me all the same feels as The Most Wonderful Time of the Year.

I loved the prologue that showed a young Leah with Drew’s Grandma. Leah was about to turn 10 and her brother and Drew had just started playing without her. Drew’s Grandma told her about milestone birthdays and how 30 is an important milestone year.

It made me remember my 30th birthday. It wasn’t a huge affair, but we celebrated with family and my 6 month old son. There were a lot of milestones that year. Sigh…sweet memories…

Anyhow, that sweet introduction helped set the stage for the rest of the movie where it’s the days leading up to Leah’s 30th birthday and Drew’s Grandma has passed, but he is there to help celebrate her milestone birthday.

I loved all the things Drew remembered about Leah. From the beginning, it was obvious that he must have cared about her all these years. He took her on a horse drawn carriage ride because she mentioned once wanting to do it when she was younger. HORSE. DRAWN. CARRIAGE. RIDE. There’s nothing better in the world! I would seriously have a crush on almost any man who took me on one.

Then there was the mistletoe incident. W-O-W! That was HOT! I haven’t seen a Hallmark kiss that gave ME butterflies in a long time! I was a little sad when Leah ran away, but hey, we need to have a little drama, right?

The ending of this movie was so perfect! The only thing missing was Julia’s original wedding dress, but even that was okay. I absolutely loved Leah and Drew’s ending. They are the type of couple that made my heart soar at watching them and while I would love to see a sequel with them, I would much rather thing that they live their own happily ever after without any drama.

Definitely watch this one if you haven’t yet. Like I said, it’s definitely on my Countdown to Christmas must watch list. It’s also probably in my top Hallmark Christmas list. Time will tell 🙂 I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

One last thing as I’m sitting here. My review mainly focuses on Drew and Leah, but I want to give a quick shout-out to Paul and Julia! I loved their bond and their story line too. It was nice to see them portray Julia as such a sweetheart instead of a crazy bridezilla, which they easily could have with all the issues she faced with her wedding!

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Eight Gifts of Hanukkah

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/eight-gifts-of-hanukkah

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Friends to lovers romances are not my favorite. But I enjoy any movie done well and this one is definitely done well. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. 🙂

Quick Re-Cap

Newly single, Sara is garnering attention from random men in her life. On the first night of Hanukkah she receives an anonymous present. Each night she continues to receive anonymous presents that are absolutely perfect for her.

My Two Cents

My Jewish heart is exploding with this movie. I really wish Hallmark would do 8 nights of Hanukkah movies during Hanukkah. I mean, if they can do 50+ Christmas movies during the Christmas season, 8 Hanukkah movies should be a slam dunk.

Of course there was all the the typical Hanukkah celebration items. Menorahs, dreidels, latkes, brisket, kugel, etc. But I didn’t expect to see the beautiful menorah collection! It wasn’t quite as beautiful as last year’s dreidel collection in Love, Lights, Hanukkah! but it was still amazing! There was also that beautiful hand made dreidel that Daniel gave Sara. That one hit me right in the feels folks!

This whole movie was filled with feels worthy moments. Every gift given to Sara was so personal and had a sweet story. Especially the final gift… **SPOILER ALERT** The ring given to Daniel by Sara’s Bubbi was the most beautiful gift and had me in tears for the final minutes of the movie. Bubbis know all!

Now that I’ve spilled all my love for this movie into this review, I want to share a few things that bothered me…

  1. How did Sara not think of Daniel as leaving all those gifts? I heard her explanation, but who else knows her that well? Didn’t she say she liked puzzles? If so, then this should have been pretty easy to figure out.
  2. It’s hard for women older than 25 to find men. Yet somehow Sara attracts like 4 or 5 men? And they’re not just any men. One super rich man, one famous chef, and several other seemingly amazing men. Well, maybe her ex isn’t super amazing. No one wants a man who doesn’t put you first! Daniel must have been right, her sweat must smell phenomenal to attract all the men!
  3. I never saw a picture in the picture frame gift. Did I miss it in the end? Sometimes I get so into writing that I don’t look up often enough and miss these things. This was another quick ending movie that left me feeling a little incomplete. I really wanted to see a picture in there. I thought maybe Sara would find a picture of her and Daniel and put it in the frame before the end of the movie.

I don’t think I’ll add this to my Countdown to Christmas must watch list, but I definitely enjoyed it. There were lots of cute jokes and sweet moments that drew me in. You should definitely give it a try!

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas in Tahoe

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-in-tahoe

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s a second chance romcom guys! Yes! That’s my jam!! I’m bummed I missed this one on premiere night. I was Hallmarked out by the time it came on. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. Enjoy!

Quick Re-Cap

Booking agent Claire has prepared an all star line-up for her family’s hotel’s Christmas variety show. Unfortunately, the main headliner cancels due to a medical issue, all the other acts drop, and her ex boyfriend reappears for the holidays. This show is a final interview for Claire’s Las Vegas dream job. She needs to find a way to put the show back together in less than a week.

My Two Cents

I fell in love with Laura Osnes last year in One Royal Holiday. She has an innate ability to make me laugh in these cute romcoms. She is the IT factor in her movies!

But she wasn’t alone in this movie! Pat Monahan and George Lopez added to the star power! I mean c’mon, I couldn’t have been the only one yelling at my TV, “Pat Monahan from Train is sitting right next to you!!!” when Claire is trying to think of a new act with Jackson.

Train is one of my all time favorite bands folks 🙂 I’m just going to leave this here…

Some of the backgrounds drove me nuts, because they were obviously super fake. BUT can someone please tell me how I get an extra large snow globe and wishing tree for my yard?! The snow globes looked amazing!! And WISHING TREE. I don’t need to say anything else about it, except do you think it would work? 😉

I wasn’t sure the romantic chemistry worked between Ryan and Claire. They definitely had the friendship relationship down. I loved when Ryan kept sticking his foot in his mouth and Claire kept giving him the business. It just always seemed more like friends than lovers, but this isn’t a stare longingly into your eyes movie. It’s a second chance romcom (ONE OF MY FAVORITE PLOTS), so I think I’m going to give it a little break.

I’m also going to give it a little break on feasibility. I’m not in the entertainment industry, so I don’t know if that many acts can really cancel within a week of a show. It doesn’t seem likely, because how would you sell tickets?! But, it did provide entertainment and necessary drama for the story. So, I think it was needed for the movie.

If you’re a romcom lover, definitely give this movie a shot. I really enjoyed it! Don’t forget to sing this season…

Shake it up
Shake up the happiness
Wake it up
Wake up the happiness
Come on y’all
It’s Christmas time

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas CEO

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-ceo

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Total meh movie. Meh? Yup, meh. It wasn’t great, but it wasn’t horrible. There were moments of greatness and good quotes, but it was missing the IT factor. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Old flames Chris and Joe started a toy store business when they were younger, but Joe left. Now, Chris wants Joe to sign for a merger between CJ’s Toys and Arlo Toys. However, Joe will only agree to sign the documents if Chris agrees to volunteer for the toy drive Joe holds every year.

My Two Cents

I tried watching this movie the night it released. I don’t remember what else I was doing that night, but I couldn’t keep my attention on the movie. So, I decided to hold off on writing a review. I figured I was having an off night.

Tonight I caught this from the beginning and thought I would try it again. I had the same problems. I couldn’t keep interested in the movie. There were definitely things I enjoyed in this movie…

I’m totally a corny magic loving person. So, I loved “Nick” the Santa Clause who kept appearing when he was needed. Especially when he distracted Chris so she would volunteer to work with Joe more, and when he appeared with tickets to the Christmas dessert shop (sorry – I can’t remember the exact name).

I liked when Chris and Joe reminisced about the good moments in their past relationship. They always had sweet looks on their faces. I also liked when they competed in that reindeer race game. That looked like a lot of fun! I want to try!

Bonus! There was chemistry between Joe and Chris, but I don’t think long term they would work. I feel that if there was a follow-up movie in 5 years, Joe and Chris would be separated for the same reasons they didn’t work the first time.

I think the niece needs a huge shout-out! I loved her song at the end! In general, I enjoyed her throughout the movie.

I think that’s everything I really enjoyed in this movie. It’s a second chance romance movie, which I’m normally all over, but I wasn’t with this. I wasn’t feeling a long term love with these two. I think they were right to break up the first time.

This movie isn’t making my Countdown to Christmas must see list. I would pass on watching it again if I have another option.

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Time for Them to Come Home for Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/time-for-them-to-come-home-for-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m torn on the rating for this movie. I’d call it a solid 3.5, but since half stars are a pain in the butt and I can’t do them for books, I’ve rounded up for this. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents. 🙂

Quick Re-Cap

“Jane” is involved in an accident that causes amnesia. She has one clue to who she might be on a newspaper article for a tree lighting ceremony in Charleston. So, she decides to drive across country to see if she can find the person she was suppose to meet there. Paul, the nurse watching Jane, decides to assist her on the trip while he visits family in Georgia.

My Two Cents

This morning I caught Time for Me to Come Home for Christmas on TV and realized this is kind of a series. Of course, I’ve seen them all before. So, I’m not sure why I didn’t notice this. The names are all super similar and it seems like they’re doing one every year.

As a tribute to Time for You to Come Home for Christmas, they did an Alison Sweeney cameo! There was another Jamie screaming at the TV moment. I’m glad y’all weren’t here to hear that tonight! It’s just me and the puppies, but they don’t even bother looking at me anymore when I scream at the TV. I guess it’s too regular of an occurrence. Haha.

Okay, going back to this movie…I always love Jessy Schram!! She is adorable in everything she does. I love her when she has funny/comedic roles, but this was good too. Even in this serious movie, she managed to bring a smile to my face and make me laugh.

Which was needed when they started talking about Paul’s brother, Ben. That hit too close to home and I understand where Paul was coming from. Everyone grieves in their own way.

Overall, I liked this movie. I don’t think it belongs on my Countdown to Christmas must see list, but it’s a solid romance. It might make you tear up at the end and at a few spots in between. Give it a try! Let me know what you thought! Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Christmas at Castle Hart

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/christmas-at-castle-hart

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh man, I just wasn’t feeling this one until the last 30 mins. I think this is a total case of “it’s me, not you” though. So, I will try it again another day and hope more of the movie resonates with me. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

After being fired as a server for a famous event planner Brooke and her sister, Margot, decide to go on a trip to Ireland to try and find their Irish heritage. While there, Brooke is mistaken as the famous event planner and is hired to plan the Christmas party at Castle Hart.

My Two Cents

Maybe I’ve watched too many Hallmark movies this week. Or maybe my mood isn’t what it needed to be for the beginning of this movie, because I wasn’t feeling it until the last 30 minutes.

I love Lacey Chabert and this movie was no exception. She was great! Her connection with Margot and the other actors/actresses was on point and really enjoyable to watch.

And how about the actress who played Margot?! Ali Hardiman. She was spectacular in this role. I really loved when she volunteered Brooke to plan the Christmas party and all the other scenes where she is trying to cover for the lie she helped perpetuate. Margot is the perfect ride or die sister (or friend) everyone deserves in their corner.

The women were definitely amazing in this movie, but I also enjoyed the character of Aiden (played by Stuart Townsend). I think we all want a man who says the things he says. And looks at us the way Aiden looks at Brooke. Swoon.

This movie is full of cute little moments that will have you smiling and giggling. Enjoy it for the romcom it’s meant to be 🙂

Oh! And have tissues handy for the ending! OMG! Such a beautiful ending! I loved how they tied up the loose ends beautifully. It was so sweet.

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: An Unexpected Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/an-unexpected-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Funny and feels worthy! Can you ask for more in a Hallmark movie? This is definitely a movie to watch this year! Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Emily was planning on taking a Hawaiian vacation, but instead is sent to the hometown of her ex-boyfriend, Jamie, for a work project that a coworker wasn’t able to complete. By happenstance Jamie and Emily arrive in town at the same time and Jamie’s sister thinks she’s there to spend the holiday’s with them. Emily is unable to use her coworker’s hotel reservation, so she spends the week with Jamie’s family while pretending she’s still his girlfriend.

My Two Cents

First things first…was I the only person searching faces in the crowds for an Andrew Walker cameo?! Since Tyler cameo’d in Walker’s My Christmas Family Tree, it seemed only fitting that we would see Andrew in this one. And then I saw him!! Andrew runs into Jamie in the bar at about 1 hour into the movie for those who want to catch the scene 🙂

Since Paul Campbell was in Kimberley Sustad’s movie, I think I’m going to go back and re-watch The Santa Stakeout again and see if Kimberley is an undiscovered Easter egg somewhere in there 🙂 Did anyone notice her? If so, where??

Okay, moving on from the Hallmark Easter egg cameos. This movie has lots of humor and heart. I was laughing for most of the movie and swooning for the rest. These are my favorite movies. The romcom’s with lots of heart.

The heart came through especially strong in many of the family scenes. Like the explanation of the ornaments on the tree, the story of the sleigh falling off the roof, or when Jamie’s Mom tells Emily that she always has a home with them. Extra heart-worthy was when Jamie and Emily are outside by the fountain and he shares the tradition of the family members writing their initials on the stones and putting them in the fountain. 😍

But the swooniest (yup, I like making up new words at night) moment was when Jamie asked his Dad, “How’d you know she’s the one?” His Dad’s answer was so simple and perfect, “Whenever we’re apart, I feel like there’s a piece of me missing.” Then at the end of the movie when Emily leaves – c’mon, you knew that would happen! – everyone says they feel like a piece of them is missing. Seriously y’all, soooo sweet. 😍😍

Like I said, this movie isn’t all feels. It’s also fantastic amounts of funny 🙂 The scenes with the waiter were some of my favorites. Keep an eye out for him in the last two minutes of the movie. That little nugget was totally worth it! LOL.

Honestly though there are too many cute/funny moments to list. Tyler and Bethany did a fantastic job with their characters. And they weren’t the only ones! Alison Wandzura was great as Jamie’s sister Becca!

I’m sure we’ve all threatened to tell our parents about a secret our sibling was trying to keep, right? So, I loved when Becca threatened to tell the secret to their parents if Jamie wouldn’t agree to be in the show and Emily had to work concessions. It’s dog eat dog in show business folks 😉

This movie is definitely on my Countdown to Christmas must watch list. It’ll probably make my all time favorites list too. I have a feeling I could watch it anytime and enjoy it just the same. Give it a try folks! I hope you like it as much as I did!!

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: The Nine Kittens of Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/the-nine-kittens-of-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

It’s a second chance romance movie guys!! I LOVE second chance romances! Especially when they’re done as well as this one. It’s definitely a hit you in the feels – IT factor full movie. Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents 😉

Quick Re-Cap

We catch up with Merilee and Zachary about 7 years after the end of the last movie. It’s been 5 years since Merilee and Zachary broke up. Merilee graduated, became a Vet, opened a Vet clinic of her own in Miami, and is dating an employee.

Merilee is spending the holidays with her sister and her family. While in town, she runs into Zachary and helps him find new homes for 9 kittens that were dropped off at the fire station.

My Two Cents

I watched The Nine Lives of Christmas a few years ago and enjoyed it a lot! I didn’t realize it was filmed seven years ago 😲 Time really flies. I’m glad they played it right before the new one, because there were some really cute references from the new movie to the old (the shopping cart and ice cream, the Christmas tree test, etc.).

If you have a chance, try to catch The Nine Lives of Christmas before watching this. It’ll make it much more entertaining.

OMG! Did you see the cameo by Paul Campbell?! I did!! I squealed, pointed at the TV, and yelled, “Ahhh!!! It’s Gridley!!!” (Surprised by Love is one of my Hallmark favorites). My son and husband gave me the ever popular, “Mom’s lost it again watching another Hallmark movie” side eye.

I’m seriously loving Hallmark this year! Earlier we saw Tyler Hynes cameo in My Christmas Family Tree. Plus, the other famous reunions in Next Stop, Christmas and A Kiss Before Christmas. I want this tradition to continue!

As much as I loved this movie, I will fully admit that first kiss was super awkward. I’m not sure if it was intended that way or if it was just bad. If I was kissing an ex-boyfriend (not that I plan to be doing that – lol), I don’t think it would be that awkward. If it was, it would be a sign we shouldn’t be doing that!

Aside from super awkward kiss, I really enjoyed this movie. I enjoyed Merilee and Zachary being brought together to find the kittens homes. Plus, I liked how they worked through some of the pain they went through from when their relationship ended the first time. I wasn’t super thrilled with Zachary during the very last scene. I felt it was very rushed, but it wasn’t enough for me to drop it in stars.

Definitely give this movie a try! Keep an open mind and enjoy it for what it is. A goofy, silly Hallmark romcom. It’s one of those movies I’ll be re-watching when it’s on again 🙂

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Kiss Before Christmas

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-kiss-before-christmas

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Yup, I’m a total sucker for Christmas magic. A Wish for Christmas, A Dream of Christmas, Just in Time for Christmas are some of my long time favorites in this category. I’m happy to say that A Kiss Before Christmas is joining this list! Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Ethan is generally unhappy with everything in his life. He feels like he could have a better job, make more money, and be more than he is currently if he had just taken a different elevator many years ago. Santa catches him in the train station and grants his wish. The catch? He has an important lesson to learn before midnight on Christmas Eve. If he fails, he will keep the new life and will forget his prior life.

My Two Cents

I want to scream to the sky, “YES! YES! YES! Hallmark, you did it!!” This movie has everything I love about Hallmark Christmas movies.

My first love – Christmas magic. I love these types of movies even when they aren’t Christmas movies (like Birthday Wish). I know I’ve wondered a time or two what my life would have been like if I had taken a right instead of a left. I’m sure I’m not alone. Wouldn’t it be cool if we could actually see how that would have turned out?

My first second – the dynamic duo Teri Hatcher and James Denton. Wow! I didn’t know they were so great together! Desperate Housewives was too long ago for me to remember much about it. I hope Hallmark brings them together again in future movies.

My third love – humor in the movie. I loved when Ethan was talking to the coffee maker, because it was his only friend in his house. And his expression at having the Ferrari his daughter had mentioned. And 10,000 other things that made this movie fantastic.

Sadly, Jeff didn’t feel the same way. Once Santa showed up and granted Ethan’s list, he checked out. Jeff doesn’t by into Christmas magic the way I do.

So, if Christmas magic is your thing, then I think you’ll love this! If you know yourself and realize Christmas magic is NOT your thing, then you might share Jeff’s opinion. This movie is definitely making my Countdown to Christmas must watch list this year!

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: A Christmas Together With You

Image via: https://www.hallmarkchannel.com/a-christmas-together-with-you

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

Another movie I had to try twice. In the movie’s defense, I think this movie came on as I was trying to get my new Chromebook up and running. Sadly, my new Chromebook was way more exciting than this movie. After watching it a second time, I still agree with that sentiment. 🙁 Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Megan offers to take Frank across country to find his lost love, Claire. Along the way, Megan meets a sweet dog and Steve.

My Two Cents

Summing up a movie in two sentences should give you an idea of how little amazingness (yup I’m creating my own words today) the movie contained.

I love second chance romances, which is exactly what this movie is. So, what went wrong? Why didn’t I fall for this movie – hook, line, and sinker? I’m going to chalk it up to a lack of IT factor.

It’s not that there’s anything particularly wrong with this movie. It’s fine. Yup, I went there. The infamous womanly fine. Haha!

Sorry guys, that’s really all I have to say about this movie. Give it a shot if you’re bored or if you want assistance falling asleep. Keep your expectations low and you’ll probably like it just fine 😉 Good luck!

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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Hallmark Movie Review: Five More Minutes

Image via: https://www.hallmarkmoviesandmysteries.com/five-more-minutes

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Oh the feels! Have your tissues handy for the end of this movie!! It may have you bawling your eyes out, but it is so darned good! Here’s a quick re-cap and my two cents.

Quick Re-Cap

Clara returns home to help with the family Confectionary store after losing her job and wanting to run from her boyfriend who is about to propose. Feeling a little lost in her life, Clara makes a wish on a shooting star to have 5 more minutes with her Grandpa who died. After the wish, she comes across Grandpa Jerry’s journal and explores it with Logan, her high school ex-boyfriend who helps her rediscover who she really is.

My Two Cents

I have a thing for second chance romances. There’s something special about reconnecting with someone you’ve lost. I don’t think the pain of losing someone ever goes away completely, but I really liked the message in this movie that your first love opens your heart to future love.

In Clara’s case, reconnecting with Logan led her through a journey of self-discovery to teach her many lessons. Most importantly, she discovered her own self-worth and why it’s important to embrace every minute. You never know when this goodbye will be the last, so make it matter. I love these reminders/lessons!

Okay, moving away from the heavy stuff…

Did anyone else notice the old blue car? I’m pretty sure it’s the same car that was in A Mrs. Miracle Christmas!! I like when Hallmark does that 🙂 It made me smile every time I saw it!

Then I’d frown every time I had to figure out the family relationships. Honestly though, I’ve started a new book and it has me completely distracted. I can’t put the darn thing down!

So, I have to admit that I might have missed an explanation, but I was a little confused about who was married to Grandpa Jerry and who’s Grandpa he was? And why did the little girls call Clara their Aunt? I thought she was an only sibling? Oh well, I’m going to leave all of that in the pile of “it doesn’t actually matter,” but I wanted to throw that out there in case you felt the same.

While the family relationships were confusing, I’m happy to say that the ending was not (unlike My Christmas Family Tree). I made a prediction to Jeff in the very beginning of the movie about how this movie would end. My prediction was correct, but it didn’t stop the sobbing tears! Don’t worry though, they were the happy/good kind of tears.

Definitely give this movie a try. It’s not a romcom that’ll have you laughing, but it is a hit you in the feels romance. Maybe it’ll have you hugging your loved ones extra the next time you see them 😉

Have you seen it? What did you think? Leave a comment!

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